A person over the age of 50 searching for retirement jobs is a relatively new phenomenon. The baby boomer generation has truly redefined the very concept of retirement – taking it out of the rocking chair and back into the workforce. Retirees are returning to professional life for a variety of reasons, namely financial security and a desire to chase after once forgotten dreams.

A retirement job is simply any kind of paid work after an individual has left her long-term career. Actual employment depends upon the individual; some retirees have begun working part time in local shops, while others have turned their lifelong hobbies into lucrative businesses. Due to this broad spectrum, retirement jobs are abundant, and older adults easily find their niche once they know how to locate these positions.

Should You Find a Retirement Job? Since there are so many jobs available for retirees, an older adult considering employment should keep a few things in mind before choosing a retirement-based occupation. First of all, why is the individual returning to the working world? A recent poll taken by RetirementJobs.com stated that senior citizens are getting jobs for one of two reasons – either they want to work or they need to work. Having to meet a financial need will undoubtedly take you on a different job-search path than someone who simply wants to avoid a humdrum existence.

The survey also asked seniors to describe their ideal job scenario. The two most reported factors were “flexibility” and “having fun close to home.” Older adults may be willing to rejoin the working world; however, most are fed up with long commutes and heavy demands. Following this trend, the majority of jobs after retirement tend to involve part-time positions and local industries such as retail and community-service organizations.

Older adults looking for a retirement job are in luck, as many employers appreciate the benefits of having a senior citizen on staff. The over-50 crowd is known for their reliability and respect for the working world, which is a stark contrast to today’s employees – namely those in their 20s and early 30s – who have been frequently criticized as a generation with an overwhelming “sense of entitlement.”

Since retirement jobs are available, and employers are more than willing to add a wise soul to their staff roster, it is now up to the retiree to seek out these positions.

Landing Jobs After RetirementOne of the best ways to find a retirement job is to go through an employment agency. Temp agencies are often focused on seeking employment for baby boomers, and they can also be of assistance when it comes to polishing a resume and providing tips to keep up with the ever-evolving professional world. Don’t let the word “temp” discourage you, as approximately 30 percent of temporary positions turn into full-time opportunities.

The AARP has also formed strong relationships with a handful of national employers, and other participants include household names such as AT&T, Home Depot, MetLife, Staples,Toys R Us and Walgreens.

A final way to find available jobs after retirement is to contact the National Council on Aging. This organization works to promote the relationship between employers and older job hunters, and they often prove to be an excellent liaison between the two.

The Self-Employment RetirementSometimes a retired individual chooses not to take the traditional job application route. Instead, he may have a lifelong interest or hobby he now feels like turning into a business. Since the Internet has connected the world more closely than ever before, it is easy to transform passions into profit. Consider partnering with a friend or colleague, and spend some time writing a business plan. Research what sort of licenses are required in your region for your specific endeavor, and decide whether you want to be strictly Internet-based or if you want to invest in a physical location for your new business.

Examples of hobbies that have cash potential include gardening, painting, pottery, working with animals, caring for children, freelance writing and antique collecting. If you do not want to sacrifice the funds and energy to start your own small business, consider searching for an already established business in your area. Perhaps a young entrepreneur would love the assistance of someone more experienced in their craft.

Along the same lines, working as a consultant is another popular option for retirees who want to work on their own terms.

Chances are your years in the workforce have provided you with valuable expertise to newer companies. Obtaining a business license and working as a freelance consultant gives you scheduling flexibility as well as the opportunity to work with a diverse array of people and organizations.

Further Preparation for Jobs in RetirementRetirees will benefit from taking some time to evaluate their abilities and gain any additional skills they may need to ensure success in their retirement job. The Senior Community Service Employment Program is a government program geared toward providing job training to senior citizens. The majority of SCSEP’s recipients are low-income individuals interested in landing retirement community jobs. Each year, they improve the number of employment opportunities available to older workers. They pride themselves in recapturing the “American dream” for a large number of seniors who otherwise would not find adequate post-retirement opportunities.

America’s Job Bank is another helpful organization in many states across the nation. This company helps with cover-letter and resume writing, job searches for veterans and job-application access.

Lastly, community colleges are an ideal resource for older adults looking to master new skills. From basic computer classes to speech writing, taking a community college course can open doors for more employment opportunities. It is also a quick way to get a “young” perspective on the current professional climate, as many of your classmates will be in their late teens and early 20s.

An Unconventional Retirement JobIf you are one of the fortunate baby boomers who are returning to work for the fun of it, you may be well-suited to “work” as a volunteer rather than as an employee. Post-retirement jobs do not always involve a paycheck, and if you are secure in your finances, you may find the perfect opportunity to give back to your community. Older people are often desired to be mentors for youngsters, to volunteer at animal shelters or keep guard of valuable exhibits at local museums. Whatever your interests, there is undoubtedly a volunteer opportunity available to get you out of the house and back to a “job” you enjoy.

You can find openings in your region by visiting a website such as VolunteerMatch.org, or reading your local newspaper listings. Most organizations won’t turn down the offer of a spare hand, so get yourself out there and rediscover your zest for a life that is far from over!

What's Your Perfect Job?Are you stuck in a dead-end job and on the hunt for a new, perfect job? Do you know what you are looking for? First, you need to define "perfect job." We all have different interests and one person's perfect career could be your most detestable nightmare. Take this quiz to learn more about discovering your perfect job!